Customising your grant proposal for each funder is a crucial step toward success. A one-size-fits-all approach might seem efficient, but it risks appearing generic and out of touch with funder expectations. By tailoring your proposal to match each grant's unique requirements and mission, you demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine alignment with their goals. 

How to Tailor Your Proposal for Different Grants

Here's how to create tailored proposals that resonate with funders and increase your chances of securing funding.

Why Tailoring Your Proposal Matters

Funders want to feel that their grant will have a significant impact and that you've taken the time to understand their mission. A customised proposal:

• Shows you value their priorities and guidelines.
• Reflects alignment with their goals and terminology.
• Makes your application stand out in a competitive field.

Tailoring your proposal is more than just tweaking a few sentences—it's about creating a submission that fits the funder's unique expectations and builds trust.

Key Strategies for Tailoring Your Proposal

1. Review Guidelines Thoroughly

Every grant has specific requirements, from formatting to word limits. Adhering to these guidelines ensures your application is eligible and showcases your attention to detail.

• Formatting: Follow all specifications for font size, margins, or document layout.
• Word Limits: Pay close attention to word or character counts for specific sections, and revise content to meet these limits without losing clarity or impact.
• Submission Criteria: Understand whether the grant requires an online form, email attachment, or print submission.

Example: If the application asks for a 300-word project summary, revise your existing content to fit within the word count while retaining key details.

2. Adapt for Different Submission Methods

Online forms are increasingly common in grant applications, and they often come with strict requirements:

• Word Counts: Be prepared to condense sections of your proposal to fit specific word limits for individual questions.
• Direct Answers: Online forms often break down your proposal into multiple sections, each focusing on a specific aspect, such as objectives, budget, or outcomes. Answer each question clearly and concisely.
• Consistency: While you can use content from previous proposals, it's essential to rewrite and reformat the information to meet the specific criteria.

Pro Tip: Create a master document with key elements of your proposal, such as objectives, impact, and budget. Adapt these sections for each grant, ensuring you maintain consistency while meeting unique requirements.

3. Use Funder-Specific Language

Incorporate the terminology and phrasing used by the funder in their guidelines, mission statement, or published materials.

• Avoid generic language—show that you've done your research by reflecting the funder's priorities naturally in your writing.
• Use their tone: More formal funders may prefer precise, professional language, while community-focused organisations might appreciate a conversational and relatable tone.

Example: Instead of saying, "We aim to improve literacy," say, "Our initiative aligns with your mission to promote equitable educational access by improving literacy rates in underserved communities."

4. Address Their Priorities Directly

Make explicit connections between your project and the funder's goals. Highlight how your proposal supports their mission and creates mutual benefits.

• Reference their stated objectives or past projects they've funded.
• Be specific about how your project fits into their vision.

Example:

"This proposal supports your goal of enhancing educational access by delivering 10 targeted workshops for underserved youth in alignment with your community initiatives."

Adjusting Tone and Level of Detail

Different funders have different expectations when it comes to tone and the level of detail required:

• Formal Organisations: Use polished, precise language and provide detailed, well-organised information.
• Community-Focused Funders: Opt for a warmer, more conversational tone and emphasise personal stories or community impact.

By matching the tone to the funder's style, you create a proposal that feels natural and relatable.

Actionable Tips for Tailored Proposals

1. Create a Checklist: Develop a checklist for each proposal to ensure you meet all funder requirements, from formatting to word count.
2. Quote Their Materials: Incorporate references or quotes from the funder's website or guidelines to demonstrate that you've done your research.
3. Revise, Don't Reuse: Avoid submitting a proposal as-is from a previous grant. Adapt and refine your content to fit each funder's unique expectations.
4. Test for Fit: Review your proposal with a fresh perspective to ensure it feels personalised and not generic.

Final Thoughts: The Key to Building Trust

Tailoring your proposal is about more than meeting requirements—it's about showing funders that you've taken the time to understand their values and designed your project with their mission in mind. By customising your approach, you build trust, demonstrate professionalism, and increase your chances of success. 

Ready to Tailor Your Next Proposal?

For more tips on customising your grant proposals and crafting submissions that win funding, download our free IMPACTFUL Guide PDF. This comprehensive resource is packed with strategies to help you write standout proposals. 

Get Your Free IMPACTFUL Guide Now 

 

"I'm working on this blog to help nonprofits write better grant proposals, improve their outreach, and scale their impact. It's something I care about deeply, and I hope you find it helpful. If you have feedback or thoughts, I'd love to hear them!" Lee Fox-Smith - CEO of Quest Language Solutions